I don’t know about you, but when this time of year rolls around, I open up the windows and do a spring cleaning of my entire apartment. I spend the day scrubbing cabinets and floors focusing on areas that I may not have spent much time on during my weekly cleaning sessions.
In part 3 of the Spring Detox series, we'll have a look at cleaning products and how they may be affecting your health. Popular cleaning products often contain chemicals and fragrances that are known endocrine disruptors. This means that they interfere with the endocrine system and its hormones – cortisol, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and fragrances can contribute to hormonal conditions like PMS, infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and hypothyroidism.
Common endocrine disrupting chemicals found in comercial cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents and dishwashing soaps, include:
Ways to avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals in your cleaning products:
1) Read labels
If you see the chemicals listed above on your product labels, you will want to avoid using those products.
2) Used trusted and verified natural brands
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created an extensive consumer guide. You can use this guide as a reference for EWG verification and safety rankings.
3) Make your own
In order to save money and reduce waste, I have started to make some of my own products. By using ingredients like castile soap or baking soda, you can make loads of products at home.
Here is my ‘recipe’ for bathroom cleaner:
By reducing chemicals in your cleaners, you are creating a healthier environment for you and your hormones.
Do you use natural cleaners or make your own? Leave your comments below.
Happy Spring Cleaning,
In part 3 of the Spring Detox series, we'll have a look at cleaning products and how they may be affecting your health. Popular cleaning products often contain chemicals and fragrances that are known endocrine disruptors. This means that they interfere with the endocrine system and its hormones – cortisol, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and fragrances can contribute to hormonal conditions like PMS, infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and hypothyroidism.
Common endocrine disrupting chemicals found in comercial cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents and dishwashing soaps, include:
- Phosphates
- Phthalates
- Nonylphenol ethoxylates
- Perfumes
- Butyl cellosolve
Ways to avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals in your cleaning products:
1) Read labels
If you see the chemicals listed above on your product labels, you will want to avoid using those products.
2) Used trusted and verified natural brands
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created an extensive consumer guide. You can use this guide as a reference for EWG verification and safety rankings.
3) Make your own
In order to save money and reduce waste, I have started to make some of my own products. By using ingredients like castile soap or baking soda, you can make loads of products at home.
Here is my ‘recipe’ for bathroom cleaner:
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- ½ cup unscented castile soap
- 1 ½ cup water
- 15 drops tea tree essential oil
- 20 drops Focus essential oil – contains rosemary, grapefruit, mint, clove
- 16 oz glass spray bottle
By reducing chemicals in your cleaners, you are creating a healthier environment for you and your hormones.
Do you use natural cleaners or make your own? Leave your comments below.
Happy Spring Cleaning,
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